Multifocal intracranial germinoma with raised tumour markers in serum but not in CSF and with carcinoma in situ of the testis

摘要

Primary germ cell tumours (GCTs) are rare malignant neoplasms occurring predominantly in children and adolescents. GCTs appear in the midline of the body, i.e. the gonads, retroperitoneum, mediastinum or the suprasellar and pineal region of the brain. Intracranial germ cell tumours are most often localised in the suprasellar region and may cause pituitary hormone deficits. They arise as a solitary nodule or less commonly as multiple lesions. They are thought to originate from a primordial germ cell that has mismigrated during embryonic development and later undergo malignant transformation. Some GCTs are capable of producing and secreting the tumour markers beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) and/or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Elevated levels of tumour markers in serum and/or spinal fluid indicate the presence of a GCT [1,2].